http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Bikes for toddlers en Wed, 13 May 2026 05:16:23 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796&page=2#post-209116 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 21:40:49 +0000 chdot 209116@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"we tried him on it again on Saturday and it appears to have clicked for him"</p> <p>Yep, just timing - readiness etc. </p> <p>No need to despair, just wait. </p> <p>Can't be many children who don't want to ride a bike! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796&page=2#post-209111 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 20:58:22 +0000 Neil 209111@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ok....so, after all that, we tried him on it again on Saturday and it appears to have clicked for him, he now loves it and has been on it every day this week. He's experimenting more and more with lifting both feet off the ground and is really enjoying it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796&page=2#post-205483 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 23:45:16 +0000 rbrtwtmn 205483@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For what it's worth... my experience with 2 kids. </p> <p>1) Make sure the saddle on a balance bike is LOW enough. It shouldn't be anything like what you'd do for a pedal bike. Try yourself on your grown-up bike and you'll see.</p> <p>2) Progress might be really slow - like walking - to begin with. Give it time. Make it fun not transport. Take them to somewhere like the ?bunkers?hillocks? at Bruntsfield Links for something to scoot down once they get going a little.</p> <p>3) Transition to pedals can be challenging. Mine could get either the pedaling or the balancing - but not both together for a while. Something to be said for stabilisers or a trike just to get them understanding that motion... even if only briefly.</p> <p>Hope that helps - good luck. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796&page=2#post-205444 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:37:41 +0000 acsimpson 205444@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's not what the original question asked but for the benefit of those with younger kids, I'll add my tuppence worth.<br /> We bought our son a convertible 3/2 wheeler bunzi made by chillafish when he was 16 months old.<br /> <a href="http://chillafish.com/product/bunzi/">http://chillafish.com/product/bunzi/</a><br /> The three wheel mode isn't as wide as a conventional trike which makes the jump to bike mode easier. It's quite small so great for very young toddlers.<br /> He really liked it but has now progressed to a scoot balance bike. The one weakness was that the scoot we inherited from cousins was too big when he outgrew bunzi so lost a bit of confidence. I'll hopefully change the seat post for the new kid which will drop it and extra inch or so.<br /> Cousin is now riding a sky bike which I think is really a frog and getting on well with it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205431 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 15:45:03 +0000 wingpig 205431@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Beano When my oldest one moved up to his pedal bike from the balance bike he scootled round the house and down to the park with the pedals off to get used to the handling (and presence of brakes) before we fitted the pedals. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205427 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:41:48 +0000 twq 205427@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm looking for a balance bike for my 2.5 yo nephew - anyone with kids that have outgrown theirs? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205426 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:35:15 +0000 Beano 205426@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@smashface - just wanted to add that we are in the same boat as you and looking for a bike for Xmas for my 3 1/2 year old. He has been 'ok' on the balance bike but loves his 4-wheeled scooter (haven't got him on a 3 wheel yet)</p> <p>I don't see it mentioned above so sorry if it has (plus I'm no expert) but we were looking at the Frog bikes which seemed nice and light (not like a Spiderman/Superman/Batman/Police one if you know what I mean) one of the sales guys at EBC said we could buy it and take the pedals/chain off (or not put them on) and then use it as a balance bike to get him confident then pop the pedals on??</p> <p>as I say I'm no expert so that might be a daft idea... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205423 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:41:28 +0000 Neil 205423@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ok, thanks everyone- we're decided- no pedals or stabilisers for now at least. Will look at the seat height on the balance bike and just see how it goes. I think incentivising like Mandopicker suggests is a good idea- he LOVED his new helmet when he outgrew the first one! I think his sister would love the Toddlebike and it's cheap; also, I wouldn't be surprised if seeing her on that encouraged him to ride his own bike ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205420 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:31:49 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 205420@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 for what chdot said </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205394 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 11:26:54 +0000 davidsonsdave 205394@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Our 2yo had varying levels of interest and never quite got the hang of her Puky balance bike until her 3yo cousin came to visit in the summer. After a couple of outings at Cramond and Portobello she had it sussed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205391 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 11:05:48 +0000 chdot 205391@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Probably best to start so that both feet can be firmly on the ground, then raise <em>gradually</em> without him knowing. </p> <p>When you think he's 'nearly got it' - aim is to be able to roll down a gentle slope with both feet off the ground - make a big deal of 'oh you've grown, I think we need to put the saddle up. </p> <p>Grandparents have different levels of expectation/patience etc. (can be good/bad!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205387 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 10:53:16 +0000 Neil 205387@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks everyone- very helpful. </p> <p>He was actually out on the bike yesterday with grandparents so we'll see if he expresses interest or resistance next time it's suggested (in the past he's seemed to enjoy it but the next time it it was suggested he's been, surprisingly, extremely resistant).</p> <p>I wonder if the saddle is set at the correct height.... To be honest, I don't really know what you're aiming for saddle height wise? Any pointers on how to best set it up appreciated. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205379 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 09:50:36 +0000 cb 205379@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Decathlon balance bikes are very good value (is there a cheaper option anywhere?) and seem to be quite well thought out: simple drum brake operated by easy plastic lever. Sensible sized hand grips. limited steering lock. No jaggy bits. All for £30 or £35 or something like that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205378 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 08:37:24 +0000 Mandopicker101 205378@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We skipped the whole balance bike thing and, about age 4, we bought my daughter a suitably sized bike with stabilisers and trundled to and from nursery. The scooter we had at the time didn't see a lot of use but her interest was caught by the idea of having a bike. </p> <p>Just in case the whole notion didn't take off, we bought secondhand via Gumtree. As friends cast off stabilisers, we progressed to learning how to ride on two wheels. By P1 she'd got the balance aspect and it was simply a case of building up confidence. </p> <p>I found that incentivising the whole experience kept her interest alive, despite the odd bump or tumble. Early on I bought her a good pair of cycling gloves because she was worried about trashing her hands if/when she fell (not unreasonable). We also acquired little bits and bobs from places like Decathlon when we made progress or felt good effort merited a reward. It seemed to work. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205370 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 23:01:16 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 205370@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I wouldn't push a kid at all. I've seen kids have no interest or desire at all to cycle until 10/11 y.o! I've also seen kids of 4 cycle around like they've been handling a bike for years!</p> <p>Trying earlier (pre school) is probably better. Fear of falling and getting hurt is less likely to be an issue. </p> <p>Lessons are better with older (primary) kids, as teaching a kid to ride can be as fraught as teaching a teenager to drive. Thats not usually the case with really wee ones, so parental teaching is probably easier! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205369 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 23:00:40 +0000 Neil 205369@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It would be if you put her on a fixie </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205366 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:48:04 +0000 sallyhinch 205366@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There was a tiny wee girl who came along to our family rides in the summer with a pedal bike in a tagalong arrangement. She was apparently a demon on her balance bike but wasn't taking to the pedal bike that well. I did notice that she would enthusiastically pedal *backwards* behind her dad. Might make for an interesting transition ... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205358 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:10:48 +0000 Neil 205358@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@bikeability so would you suggest just holding off and trying him again with the balance bike at some point in the future, or looking into lessons?</p> <p>What age do you start lessons at? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205347 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 21:01:29 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 205347@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 for avoiding stabilisers</p> <p>In my experience (and I've taught many dozens of young kids to cycle now) the only real benefit of stabilisers is allowing a non cyclist to be included on a family ride. Even then, I'd advocate a tag along over stabilisers.</p> <p>Scooting and gliding on a balance/pedal-less bike is my most successful method. Once their gliding (coasting/freewheeling) is proficient, then a bike with pedals is next. Initially, I encourage the use of the pedals as a foot rest and its surprising (or maybe not)how many wee folk just naturally seem to know to pedal. Often no more than a little guidance/encouragement is needed at that stage.</p> <p>If anyone wants to ask an off list question, I'm happy to be PM'd. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205337 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 19:37:02 +0000 steveo 205337@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My laddie is a demon on the balance bike but can't manage to pedal. He's too big for the balance bike now so we got him a pedal bike. It's not adjusted correctly though and the back wheel is only just in contact ground so going up hill he just wheel spins but at least he's learning the pedaling motions. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205336 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 19:18:57 +0000 Neil 205336@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It came down to a choice between the Strider and First bike after typically obsessive researching by me- went for the first bike in the end but can't remember why. I don't think there was much in it.</p> <p>Yup, we got him a scooter too and he's similarly not taken to it. His sister has though and if it wasn't for that we'd be certain it was something we've been doing wrong with him.</p> <p>Perhaps timid is the wrong word - more a tendency to overtime things, and I think that gets in the way of making the necessary leap of faith and try balancing.</p> <p>"Conventional wisdom" is what we've been following I guess. As part of that I'd read to not push it and if there was resistance/fear to just put it and try again in a few months.</p> <p>We wonder now whether pedalling around on something that didn't require stabilisers would be a better way to get him interested.</p> <p>I see the logic in the current thinking, but ultimately, I can cycle ok and I went through the stabilisers coming off trauma ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205335 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 19:06:56 +0000 algo 205335@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Striders are great but beware the lack of brake on a hill! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205334 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 18:53:42 +0000 chdot 205334@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hadn't come across boomerbikes before - looks like a very neat idea.</p> <p>Was told about these today.</p> <p><a href="http://www.striderbike.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.striderbike.co.uk</a></p> <p>The smallest is smaller than most other makes of bb and there are even ones for <em>very</em> big kids! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205331 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 18:43:18 +0000 chdot 205331@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>'Conventional wisdom' these days is to avoid stabilisers (unless absolutely necessary...)</p> <p>Pedalling is obviously a skill to be picked up, but for <em>riding a bike</em> balance is more important.</p> <p>It's a pity that he's got to 4 without getting along with his bb - but everyone is different!</p> <p>Does he have a scooter? Even with a three-wheelers he'll have a good idea about balance. If he is confident on a two-wheeler then a bike with stabilisers might be a good transition. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205324 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 17:15:06 +0000 Neil 205324@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I wrote my original post in haste and can no longer edit to say he is now 4 :P</p> <p>Boomer bike looks interesting! Any way to put stabilisers on it if required? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205323 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 17:12:43 +0000 algo 205323@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I am a big fan of the (locally built) boomer bike:</p> <p><a href="http://boomerbalancebikes.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://boomerbalancebikes.co.uk/</a></p> <p>detachable pedals which stick on the frame once they're good at scooting along on the balance bike alone. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205322 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 17:08:55 +0000 Morningsider 205322@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 for the toddlebike for little 'uns. Can get up to warp speed on wooden floors though!</p> <p>Small pedal bikes can be surprisingly heavy, even those with aluminium frames, and might be a bit of a challenge for a two year old. Might be best to see if you can get junior to test out a friend or relative's bike first, before splashing out on anything. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205317 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:36:09 +0000 Neil 205317@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The toddlebike looks like a good idea for his sister though, particularly if he get's a new bike! Thanks! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205316 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:34:11 +0000 SRD 205316@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>yup. toddle bikes particularly good for younger siblings who want their own bikes just like everyone else in the family, and they cope with outdoors and indoors, unlike a lot of similar toys. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15796#post-205315 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:33:13 +0000 Neil 205315@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks. Forgot to mention- he's almost 4 now. Crazy sister is just gone 2 </p>